Ronald Koeman will let Sadio Mané and Victor Wanyama sit “in the stands” if they agitate for a move away from Southampton. The manager has insisted the pair will remain at St Mary’s beyond the January transfer window despite strong interest from other Premier League clubs.

Koeman dropped Mané for last Saturday’s 1-0 league defeat at Norwich City after the Senegal forward was late for a team meeting, sparking fresh speculation he was headed for a transfer. But the Dutchman has continued to reject suggestions either Mané or Wanyama is itching for a move and vowed to banish anyone misbehaving in an attempt to force a transfer.

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“If there is any player thinking if his behaviour is not good that makes it more easier for the player, then I’ll put the player in the stands until the end of their contract,” said Koeman. “Because in my opinion that’s not the way you have to do your job as a football player.”

Southampton could look to cash in on Wanyama in the summer if he opts not to sign a contract, mirroring the process with Morgan Schneiderlin, who joined Manchester United last summer. However, Koeman insisted Mané and Wanyama are focused and enjoying their football.

Wanyama was sent off at Norwich, with the second yellow card described as stupid by Koeman. The Kenyan apologised for his behaviour, which he accepted was “reckless and irresponsible”.

Koeman said of Mané’s and Wanyama’s commitment: “I’m not doubting that. That’s the daily basis in communication with the players and it’s too easy to mention after the mistake of Sadio or the second yellow that the players are showing that they like to move.

“It’s too easy and it’s not like that. The players know the position in the club and what we think about the players. That’s no reason to doubt about that. I don’t have doubts about that. They are important players and they like to be here. They like to continue, they like to make a good season, and that’s the most important. They are still happy. The contacts is to the players, the contacts is to the agents, and I have to believe in my players.”

“First of all we’re very pleased Fraser played his first game in nine months, on a good level,” said Koeman after Forster featured for Southampton’s Under-21s. “This weekend is too soon in our opinion and he will play again with the Under-21s on Monday.

“Then after that we will have discussions about what we have to do about our goalkeepers and finally the best will start. But that will start after Monday.”